Here's how Pakistan can still make it to the WTC final despite suffering 3-0 whitewash vs ENG

 
Here's how Pakistan can still make it to the WTC final despite suffering 3-0 whitewash vs ENG

On Wednesday, Pakistan was once again humiliated at the hands of England at the Karachi National Stadium by 8 wickets in the third and final test. With this victory, the English team became the first visiting team in history to whitewash Pakistan on their home turf.

This was also the first time Pakistan lost four consecutive tests at home. The 3-0 series loss almost denied the chance for Babar Azam and his team to qualify for the WTC final. They are now ranked 7th on the ongoing WTC table.

But anything is not over until it is over. Pakistan is still alive with a minimal number of chances. However, before the start of the three-match series against England, Pakistan's chances were better. They needed to win against England and then beat New Zealand at home in a two-match series to definitely qualify.

They were in third place, but now, after suffering a 3-0 loss, they have slipped to the 7th spot with 38.99 points. They are now placed below Sri Lanka and the West Indies. But they can still make it to the WTC final, but that will need a miracle if it happens.

Notably, Pakistan already had a miracle in the 2022 T20 World Cup when it qualified for the semifinals after losing its first two games. So if it has happened once already, why not a second time for Babar Azam and his team?

Just like the T20 World Cup, a lot will depend on how other teams perform in their respective test series. Firstly, Pakistan needs to beat New Zealand 2-0 in the upcoming series, which starts on December 26. That will improve their winning percentage to 47.62.

Then, their main hope will come from Australia, which is sitting at the top of the WTC table. Pakistan will hope that Australia wins against South Africa in the ongoing series by a score of 3-0 and then whitewashes India 4-0 in the series starting in February.

Secondly, Pakistan will hope that Bangladesh can surprise India in the second test starting on December 22 to level the series at 1-1. Then, they should hope that New Zealand can whitewash Sri Lanka in a two-match series starting in March.

Finally, Pakistan will want West Indies to beat South Africa by 1-0 or 2-0 later in 2023 to clear the way for the Men in Green to qualify for the final. 

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